Breathing life into the inner city through cricket

The Bertrams-based Joburg Cricket Club was started in 2007 with the aim of uplifting inner city communities.

“We are conscious of the fact that we are in an environment where there is a need for youth activities,” said club chairman, Indarin Govender. “As an organisation within the Gauteng cricketing structures, we are committed to helping youngsters within the community gain new friends, learn and adopt a positive attitude and mindset.”

By being part of the club, young people get a chance to work towards playing in the premier league. “Cricket development is at the heart of our work as we’ve established an excellence programme within the club, wherein cricketing skills and knowledge are made available and can be accessed.”

Pranav Naidoo, 20, started playing cricket at the tender age of 10. He joined the club through a cricket clinic for children from the age of seven upwards. Today, he captains the club’s Sunday-One side that competes in the Gauteng Cricket Board amateur league.

“I’ve grown my game overall as I’ve put my focus on technicalities and skills. We can all be captains because we all have an understanding of the game,” he said. “But also, the role we play in terms of coaching and giving back to the kids in the community is quite fulfilling.”

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